Non-invasive Genetic Sampling of Snow Leopards and Other Mammalian Predators in the Annapurna and Sagarmatha Regions of Nepal

Abstract

Snow leopard is threatened particularly by habitat loss, reduction in the availability of prey, conflict with herders, and poaching in connection with traditional Asian medicine. Therefore, an effective conservation strategy for snow leopard is needed. For this, however, we need estimates of its abundance and map of its spatial distribution. The problem is that because of the rugged and practically inaccessible terrain inhabited by snow leopards, its elusive nature and low population densities, there is very little information on its distribution and population status. Thus, in order to supplement conventional techniques, like surveying for signs of its presence, a more effective method is needed to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered felid. Non-invasive genetic sampling and molecular scatology are emerging and promising scientific techniques for sampling mammals. Their benefit is that the target species never has to be directly observed or handled, as the most commonly samples are their hairs and scats. However, the collecting of scat samples of a focal species in the field is subject to a high degree of misidentification as they can often belong to other species. Therefore, genetic analysis of DNA extracted from scat samples must be used. Here we study the distribution and population size of snow leopards based on the genetic identification of scat.